SOFTSKILL

UNIT II

COMMUNICATION MEANING, TYPES AND CHARACTERISTICS OF

COMMUNICATION
“Communication” is derived from the Latin word “communis” which implies commonness.
It is the process of sharing information, thoughts, messages, facts, ideas, opinions, emotions
and understanding from one person to another person.
According to Newman and Summer, “Communication is an exchange of facts, ideas,
opinions or emotions by two or more persons”.
According to Koontz and ‘O’Donnell, “Communication is an intercourse by words, letter
symbols or messages and is a way that one organization member shares meaning and
understanding with another.”
Hence, communication is an exchange of ideas, opinions, facts or emotions by two or more
individuals.

Characteristics of Communication
Communication is the process of exchanging thoughts and ideas. The following are the major
characteristics of communication:
More than one person: It is the foremost need of communication there must be an existence
of more than one person for the exchange of ideas and opinions. Communication cannot take
place with the presence of a single individual. There is a need to have both sender and
receiver for effective communication to take place.
Exchange of Ideas/opinions and thoughts: Communication cannot be done without the
presence of ideas opinions and thoughts. If a person is having an idea in his or her mind then
he or she needs to exchange those ideas with another person. Hence, for communication,
there must be an exchange of ideas, and feelings among two or more persons.
Communication can be Direct and Indirect: Communication can be direct or indirect also.
During direct communication, ideas can be shared face-to-face with each other. While
Indirect Communication is used to interact via other means.
Mutual Understanding: For effective communication, mutual understanding plays a vital role.
It means that the receiver should receive the information in the identical spirit with which the
sender wants to communicate the message.
Dynamic process: Communication is affected by the mood and thinking of the sender and
receiver. The way a message is conveyed and received depends upon the active sensory
organs of the communicator and receiver.
The primary purpose is to get a response: The aim of effective communication is to get
feedback from the receiver and motivate him or her to give the response. It helps to make
communication better an effective.

Types of Communication
There are numerous ways through which people communicate. Majorly communication can
be of two types:

On the basis of Communication Channels

Verbal communication: The kind of communication where a communicator can
communicate their messages and opinions using spoken and written words. In simple words,
when words are used to express feelings and thoughts, this is referred to as verbal
communication.
Oral communication: It is the process of transmitting knowledge verbally and ideas from
one person or group to another.
Written communication: Written communication is an exchange of ideas and opinions via
written messages which are more formal than oral communication.
Non-Verbal communication: It is the communication of messages or ideas through eye
contact, gestures, posture, facial expressions, use of objects and body language. Here, the
communicator uses kinesics and social cues etc.
Formal Communication
It is the exchange of information between two or more people within a specified structure of
an organisation using official channels of communication. The following are the major
features of formal communication:
There is a need for the usage of the right language and correct pronunciation in this kind of
communication
For example communication with the boss or the manager or the department tell head is a
type of formal communication
This type of communication can move in an upward, downward or horizontal direction.
Informal Communication
This is casual communication between two or more persons. Below are the major features of
informal communication:
It is unstructured and unplanned
This is also known as grapevine communication
It can flow in all directions
There is no need for formal rules or any regulation while communicating.
 EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION

Effective communication is the process of exchanging ideas, thoughts, opinions,

knowledge, and data so that the message is received and understood with clarity and purpose.
When we communicate effectively, both the sender and receiver feel satisfied.

Communication occurs in both verbal and non-verbal forms, such as written, visual, and
listening. It can occur in person, on the internet (on forums, social media, and websites), over
the phone (through apps, calls, and video), or by mail.

The 5 Cs of communication

For communication to be effective, it must be:

 Clear
 Correct
 Complete
 Concise
 Compassionate

Benefits of effective communication

The benefits of communication effectiveness can be witnessed in the workplace, in an

educational setting, and in your personal life. Learning how to communicate well can be a boon
in each of these areas.

In the workplace, effective communication can help you:

 Manage employees and build teams
 Grow your organization more rapidly and retain employees
 Benefit from enhanced creativity and innovation
 Become a better public speaker
 Build strong relationships and attract more opportunities for you or your organization

In your personal life, effective communication can lead to:

 Improved social, emotional, and mental health
 Deeper connections with people you care about
 New bonds based on trust and transparency
 Better problem–solving and conflict resolution skills

BARRIERS TO EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION

Communication is defined as the process by which information is exchanged between
individuals through a system of signs, symbols. The concept of communication involves a
sender, a message and a recipient.

The sender sends the message and the recipient is the receiver of the message. The process of
communication is never smooth as it is affected by the barriers of communication.
Barriers to effective communication can result in confusion which can lead to incorrect
information being conveyed or miscommunication which can lead to loss of business.

Following are some of the barriers to effective communication:

1. Semantic barriers

2. Psychological barriers

3. Organisational barriers

4. Cultural barriers

5. Physical barriers

6. Physiological barriers

Let us study in detail about the various types of barriers to effective communication.

Semantic barriers: Semantic barriers are also known as language barriers. These barriers are
caused due to improper communication between the sender and the receiver. The following
instances of semantic barriers can be witnessed in communication.

Poor quality of message: Message when communicated should be precise and easy to
understand, that makes it easy for the receiver to grasp the information conveyed.

Sometimes, due to the lack of clarity or complexity of the way of providing information from
the sender, there can be a case of semantic barriers.

For e.g. A manager is conversing in English to a group of workers who understand and speak
Bengali. It will create confusion among workers as they will not be able to understand what is
being conveyed by the manager.

Technical language: Language barriers also arise when the sender of the message is speaking
in technical terms while the receiver is unaware of the terms. It creates confusion and
misunderstanding between the sender and receiver by acting as a barrier to effective
communication.

Psychological Barriers: Psychological barriers play an important role in interpersonal

communication as the state of the mind of the sender or the receiver can make it difficult to
understand the information that is conveyed, which often leads to misunderstanding.

Here are some instances where psychological barriers to communication can be seen.
1. Premature evaluation of information by the receiver even before it is transmitted can lead
to barriers in communication, as it will create premature conclusion to the message, which
withholds the original message.

2. Inadequate attention from the receiver’s end at the time of communication can lead to
barriers of communication as the information conveyed by the sender is not properly received
by the receiver.

3. When information is passed within multiple sources, the final information is distorted as
the receivers of the message are not able to retain everything that was conveyed. This can
cause communication barriers.

Organisational barriers: Organisational barriers are those barriers that are caused due to the
structure, rules and regulations present in the organisation. The various types of barriers that
can be encountered due to superior subordinate relationships where the free flow of
communication is not possible.

Sometimes the complexity of organisational structure and multiple managers make it difficult
to convey information properly, and the information gets distorted leading to
miscommunication.

Cultural barriers: Cultural barriers are those that arise due to lack of similarities among the
different cultures across the world. A term that can be harmless in one culture can be
regarded as a slang in another culture. Moreover, various beliefs can differ from one culture
to another.

Physical barriers: Physical barriers to communication are those that arise due to certain
factors like faulty equipment, noise, closed doors and cabins that cause the information sent
from sender to receiver to become distorted, which results in improper communication.

Physiological barriers: Physiological barriers arise when a sender or the receiver of the
communication is not in a position to express or receive the message with clarity due to some
physiological issues like dyslexia, or nerve disorders that interfere with speech or hearing.

MASS MEDIA AND SOCIETY

Mass media refers to various forms of communication that reach a large audience
simultaneously. It includes mediums such as television, radio, newspapers, magazines, the
Internet, and social media platforms. Mass media plays a significant role in shaping public
opinion, disseminating information, and influencing social, cultural, and political trends.
Type of Mass Media
It’s important to delve into the various types of mass media which is crucial in
comprehending the breadth and impact of mass media on individuals and society.
1. Print Media
Print media, like newspapers, magazines, and books, remains relevant despite the digital age.
It offers comprehensive news coverage, features, and literary works. Its tangible format
provides a reliable and immersive reading experience that many still value.
2. Broadcast Media
Broadcast media, like radio and television, reach a wide audience and shape public opinion.
They offer news, music, talk shows, and entertainment. While digital platforms have
impacted them, they still hold sway over a significant portion of the population, creating
cultural phenomena and sparking national conversations.
3. Digital Media
The internet revolutionized mass media, bringing forth digital platforms. Websites, online
news, and blogs provide real-time information with interactive features. Social media
platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram allow for widespread content sharing and
discussion.
4. Social Media
Social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram wield significant influence.
They connect people, facilitate content sharing, and enable real-time discussions. News
consumption has transformed with personalized information feeds and active participation in
conversations.

Mass Media and Society

Mass media has a profound impact on society, shaping opinions, disseminating information,
and influencing cultural norms. The intricate relationship between mass media and society,
highlighting its influence is as follows:
Cultural Influence
Mass media shapes cultural norms and values through platforms like television, films, music,
literature, and the Internet. It introduces new ideas, challenges stereotypes, and promotes
inclusivity.
Diverse portrayals of ethnicities, gender roles, and social issues challenge existing norms,
while cultural exchanges foster cross-cultural understanding. Mass media acts as a mirror,
reflecting and influencing societal values, and shaping cultural identities.
Political Impact
Mass media is vital for democracy, functioning as a watchdog and facilitating public
discourse. Through news outlets, investigative journalism, and social media, it informs
citizens, encourages participation, and holds authorities accountable.
However, media bias and sensationalism can polarize public opinion. The rise of social media
amplifies these effects, impacting elections and public sentiment through rapid information
dissemination, both accurate and misleading.
Economic Implications
Mass media fuels the global economy through advertising, creating jobs and driving
consumerism. It shapes consumer behaviour, influencing purchasing decisions and economic
growth. TV, print, online, and social media platforms contribute to its economic impact.
The media industry generates revenue, supporting diverse professions. The digital age has
brought about new business models in response to changing preferences and technology.
Individual Behavior
Mass media shapes individual behaviour, influencing attitudes, beliefs, and aspirations. It
exposes people to diverse cultures and ideas, impacting self-perception and social
expectations.

INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY

Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) is a broader term for Information
Technology (IT), which refers to all communication technologies, including the internet,
wireless networks, cell phones, computers, software, middleware, video-conferencing, social
networking, and other media applications and services.
Basics of Internet:
The Internet is an increasingly important part of everyday life for people around the world.
But if you've never used the Internet before, all of this new information might feel a bit
confusing at first.

What is the Internet?

The Internet is a global network of billions of computers and other electronic devices. With
the Internet, it's possible to access almost any information, communicate with anyone else in
the world, and do much more.

You can do all of this by connecting a computer to the Internet, which is also
called going online. When someone says a computer is online, it's just another way of saying
it's connected to the Internet.
What is the Web?

The World Wide Web—usually called the Web for short—is a collection of
different websites you can access through the Internet. A website is made up of related text,
images, and other resources. Websites can resemble other forms of media—like newspaper
articles or television programs—or they can be interactive in a way that's unique to
computers.

How does the Internet work?

At this point you may be wondering, how does the Internet work? The exact answer is
pretty complicated and would take a while to explain. Instead, let's look at some of the most
important things you should know.

It's important to realize that the Internet is a global network of physical cables, which can
include copper telephone wires, TV cables, and fiber optic cables. Even wireless connections
like Wi-Fi and 3G/4G rely on these physical cables to access the Internet.

When you visit a website, your computer sends a request over these wires to a server. A
server is where websites are stored, and it works a lot like your computer's hard drive. Once
the request arrives, the server retrieves the website and sends the correct data back to your
computer. What's amazing is that this all happens in just a few seconds!

Other things you can do on the Internet

One of the best features of the Internet is the ability to communicate almost instantly with
anyone in the world. Email is one of the oldest and most universal ways to communicate and
share information on the Internet, and billions of people use it. Social media allows people to
connect in a variety of ways and build communities online.

There are many other things you can do on the Internet. There are thousands of ways to keep
up with news or shop for anything online. You can pay your bills, manage your bank
accounts, meet new people, watch TV, or learn new skills. You can learn or do almost
anything online.

INTRANET
An intranet is an internal communications and collaboration platform used by companies of all
sizes and industries. It's a secure network for a company's employees and trusted partners to share
information, communicate well, and work together effectively.

Some of the key things an intranet can provide are:

 A way to safely share internal information

 Improved communication between leadership and employees
 Increased alignment between cross-functional teams
 A home base for companies to store and organize policies, guidelines, and standard
operating procedures

Benefits of an intranet

Implementing an intranet doesn’t just help employees stay connected and organized—it
can actually transform the efficiency and productivity of an entire organization. Here are some of
the biggest benefits of an intranet:

 Improved communication: Intranets facilitate effective communication across the

organization, allowing employees to share news, updates, and announcements easily.
  Enhanced collaboration: With tools like shared calendars, project management
software, and document sharing, they enable teams to work together more efficiently,
regardless of their location.
 Increased productivity: Intranets provide a centralized place for information and
resources, reducing the time employees spend searching for information and allowing
them to focus on their work.
 Cost savings: By using an intranet for internal communication and collaboration,
organizations can reduce costs associated with printing, mailing, and other traditional
methods of information sharing.
 Streamlined processes: Intranets can automate and streamline various business
processes, such as HR tasks, expense reporting, and procurement, saving time and
reducing errors.
 Better knowledge management: An intranet can serve as a knowledge base, capturing
and storing the organization's collective knowledge and expertise, making it easily
accessible to all employees.
 Improved employee engagement: Intranets can foster a sense of community and
belonging among employees by providing a platform for sharing success stories,
recognizing achievements, and encouraging feedback.
 Enhanced security: With proper access controls and security measures, intranets ensure
that sensitive information remains confidential and accessible only to authorized
personnel.
 Scalability: Intranets can grow and evolve with the organization, accommodating new
users, content, and features as needed.
 Integration with other systems: Intranets can integrate with other enterprise systems,
such as customer relationship management (CRM) or enterprise resource planning (ERP)
software, providing a unified platform for accessing information and tools.

Uses of an intranet

An intranet is a versatile and powerful tool that can change the way an organization operates.
They can help with communication, collaboration, automating tasks, and supporting remote
work, providing many benefits for organizations. Here are just some of the ways that companies
use an intranet:

 Internal communication: Sharing company news, announcements, and updates

 Employee directory: Providing a searchable database of employee profiles and contact
information
 Document management: Storing, organizing, and sharing important documents and files
 Collaboration: Enabling teamwork through shared workspaces, project management
tools, and discussion forums
 Knowledge management: Creating a centralized location for company knowledge, best
practices, and frequently asked questions
 HR and employee self-service: Managing HR processes, such as employee onboarding,
benefits enrollment, and time-off requests
 Training and development: Delivering online training courses and materials for
employee skill development
E-MAIL
1. An email address: This is a unique identifier for each user, typically in the format of
[email protected].
2. An email client: This is a software program used to send, receive and manage emails,
such as Gmail, Outlook, or Apple Mail.
3. An email server: This is a computer system responsible for storing and forwarding
emails to their intended recipients.

To send an email:

1. Compose a new message in your email client.

2. Enter the recipient’s email address in the “To” field.
3. Add a subject line to summarize the content of the message.
4. Write the body of the message.
5. Attach any relevant files if needed.
6. Click “Send” to deliver the message to the recipient’s email server.
7. Emails can also include features such as cc (carbon copy) and bcc (blind carbon copy)
to send copies of the message to multiple recipients, and reply, reply all, and forward
options to manage the conversation.

Electronic Mail (e-mail) is one of most widely used services of Internet. This service
allows an Internet user to send a message in formatted manner (mail) to the other Internet
user in any part of world. Message in mail not only contain text, but it also contains images,
audio and videos data. The person who is sending mail is called sender and person who
receives mail is called recipient. It is just like postal mail service. Components of E-Mail
System : The basic components of an email system are : User Agent (UA), Message
Transfer Agent (MTA), Mail Box, and Spool file. These are explained as following below.
1. User Agent (UA) : The UA is normally a program which is used to send and receive
mail. Sometimes, it is called as mail reader. It accepts variety of commands for
composing, receiving and replying to messages as well as for manipulation of the
mailboxes.
2. Message Transfer Agent (MTA) : MTA is actually responsible for transfer of mail
from one system to another. To send a mail, a system must have client MTA and system
MTA. It transfer mail to mailboxes of recipients if they are connected in the same
machine. It delivers mail to peer MTA if destination mailbox is in another machine. The
 delivery from one MTA to another MTA is done by Simple Mail Transfer Protocol.

3. Mailbox : It is a file on local hard drive to collect mails. Delivered mails are present in
this file. The user can read it delete it according to his/her requirement. To use e-mail
e
system
stem each user must have a mailbox . Access to mailbox is only to owner of mailbox.
Spool file : This file contains mails that are to be sent. User agent appends outgoing
mails in this file using SMTP. MTA extracts pending mail from spool file for their
delivery

AUDIO AND VIDEO CONFERENCING

A conference is typically considered a gathering of multiple individuals to discuss a specific
subject. Interesting concepts are discussed at the meeting, and participants share fresh data.

Teleconferencing is an electronic platform coconnecting

nnecting more than two individuals seated in
two distinct places to discuss a subject or issue.Teleconferencing for schooling is a useful
medium, especially for distance learning.There are numerous varieties of teleconferences:

o Audio Conference
o Video Conference
o Web Conference

What is Video Conference?

o Hosting a teleconference involving two or more individuals at various locations using

computer networks to broadcast audio and video data is known as a video conference
or video conferencing.. It might be multi
multi-point or point-to-point.
point. Gatherings that use
video operate in one of two ways.
o Point-to-point
point video conference
conferenc
o The simplest way to comprehend this scenario is the situation where one
individual or a group is related to another.
o Meetings cannot be held without hardware computer solutions like
microphones, webcams, computers, laptops, or tablets, as well as a specialized
conference hall.
o Multi-point
point video conferencin
conferencing
 o A connection is made between three or more sites during multi-point video
conferences.
o In other words, it enables three or more attendees to interact with one another
virtually, and it appears as if all were seated together in a conference room.
o Additionally, everyone who attends sessions can see and listen to the opinions
of every contact present in the meeting.
o In this case, centralized software processes a stream of digital information,
including sound, video, and subject matter.

Components of video conference

The following basic elements are included in video conferencing:

o High-speed broadband internet is frequently used as a data transfer network.

o Internet protocol (IP) and integrated system digital networks (ISDN) are
compatible with video conferencing technology.
o These extensive networks enable video conferencing to reach audiences
throughout the world.
o A desktop screen, television, or projector that can stream video often serves as
the hardware.
o A camera, microphone, video conferencing equipment, display, and audio
system are all included.
o Both software and hardware-based Codex (coder/decoder) technology used in
video conferencing units receive visual and voice signals (video and audio)
and convert them into a format that can be transmitted via the network of the
remote location.
o After the distribution, Codex shrinks AV data into digital packets, which are
decompressed at the endpoint.
o Additionally, it lowers bandwidth needs.
o A projector transmitting onto a surface can be considered a display unit.
o For video conferences, the audio setup must be perfect.
o It might be necessary to have a good audio system with speakers, an amplifier,
and a mixer.
o A minimum of two microphones are needed, either the external microphone or
the one that allows access to the device.
o Software that eliminates voice echo and facilitates real-time communication is
also an investment.
o The Conference Setting: Improving picture quality can be achieved with a good
lighting.
o Likely, there is not enough light to provide the best quality for the video
conference webcams if the space is not specifically designed or furnished for
video conferencing.

Benefits of Video Conferencing

o They can help people work more productively and engage with co-workers,
associates, and customers more effectively in the workplace.
 o Reduced travel fares, particularly for staff coaching, and shorter project timelines that
improve teamwork are some of the real advantages of video conferencing for
businesses.
o More effective encounters with clients, both inside and outside of enterprises.
o Face-to-face conversation enhances communication on a personal level and enables
individuals to develop better relationships with people they have never actually
encountered in person.
o The team is more engaged using video conferencing before, during, and after
meetings.
o Users can use non-verbal signifiers on video that are missed during audio chats,
illuminating the discourse.
o In addition to fostering a culture of collaborative meetings within your association,
video conferencing software is a foundation for engaging today's digital labour
market.

Issues with Video Conferencing

o Some learners may become lethargic as they can take their lectures from home, thus
lacking self-discipline.
o The lack of communication between students and educators or within the student
body.
o The received image and sound may suffer from the technology. If a picture moves
jerkily, body language can be missed. The sound may also have a delay.
o Face-to-face interaction ambiance is eliminated.
o When used for meetings, video conferencing works much better when the attendees
are familiar.
o Since it is possible to gain access to a personal VC meeting, confidentiality may be
jeopardized.

Use of Video Conferencing

o It can be used for educating students.

o For business meetings
o Data Exchange
o Interviews
o Telemedicine
o A legal job

AUDIO CONFERENCE

o Audio conferencing seeks to facilitate simultaneous interaction and collaboration.

o The use of technologies that enable parallel sound transmission and reception for
interaction during an audio teleconference between two or more participants seated at
different locations is known as audio conferencing.
o Two or more individuals use a conference bridge or other technology in distinct
destinations to hold an audio teleconference.
o A conventional phone is not the same as an audio conference. Instead, each member
dials the other during an audio conference, and a single system connects them all.
 o To further enhance the effectiveness of audio meetings, many audio-conferencing
packages may also include online collaboration services as standard or extra features
like screen sharing capabilities.
o Audio conferencing frequently necessitates a separate dial-in code in addition to the
phone number for security reasons to help keep out unauthorized participants.
o Some conferencing systems also support using a unique audio pin that identifies
particular users to help participants in audio conferences be identified.
o Two different kinds of audio conferencing exist.
o Two participants in distinct locations can communicate and interact
using point-to-point audio conferencing technology.
o Multi-point audio conferencing systems can help three or more individuals
across different locations collaborate and communicate.
o Each participant's desktop or phone must have the conferencing software installed for
audio conferencing.
o Speakers, microphones, and a data connection are required on the desktop or phones
used for conferences.

The Advantages of Audio Conferences

o Audio conferencing is economical, more widely available, and simpler to configure

than video conferencing.
o In the meanwhile, using an audio-conferencing system will also result in a call that is
of respectable quality.
o Compared to other teleconferencing forms, audio conferencing can help businesses
save time and money by eliminating the need to commute for physical meetings.
o Professionals may also be able to quickly convene an online communication session
with important subject-matter expertise using specialized audio-conferencing
technologies to handle business or consumer concerns.
o You might not require as many audio and video conference rooms if you have a robust
audio-conferencing platform.
o Some audio-conferencing solutions can support several conferencing hosts.
Due to all of these factors, audio conferencing is a fantastic means for groups of more than
two individuals to communicate simultaneously.

Negative Aspects of Audio Conferences

Some of the technical details of video conferences are missing in this telecommunication
form.

DIGITAL INITIATIVES IN HIGHER EDUCATION

A few initiatives that the Government of India has taken to enhance the quality and reach of
higher education are below.

1. SWAYAM (Study Webs of Active Learning for Young Aspiring Minds)

It is an online platform designed to provide the best quality education, and anyone can access
it anytime with an IT system. SWAYAM initiative allows sharing of quality education with
everyone, thus bringing equity, and the AICTE and MHRD developed it with the assistance
of Microsoft. It has the capability of hosting 2000 courses and various professional
programmes, and Indian experts have designed all the courses on the SWAYAM platform.
Students can take all programmes on SWAYAM free of cost. If they require a certificate,
they can acquire it by paying a small fee.

2. SWAYAM Prabha

SWAYAM Prabha Digital Initiative in Education contains a group of 32 DTH channels

dedicated to telecasting high-quality educational programmes 24×7 with a GSAT-15 satellite.
New content will be there, and they will telecast each video five times a day to help students
learn according to their convenience. It covers different courses useful for students of various
backgrounds. UGC, NIOS, IGNOU, NCERT, and CEC will provide content on this platform.

3. National Digital Library (NDL)

It is one of the digital initiatives in higher education developed by the Ministry of Human
Resource Development under its NMEICT to provide a framework for an online repository of
learning resources. NDL collects metadata from top educational institutions in India and
abroad. It holds the content of all languages and provides interface support for leading Indian
languages. This digital initiative’s objective is to collect, preserve and disseminate
intellectual content of the country and provide access to students of all educational levels.

4. National Academic Depository (NAD)

It is a digital initiative of the MHRD launched to facilitate digital storage, issuance,

verification and access of Academic Awards issued by the Academic Institutions. It is a
unique initiative under Digital India and was launched with a motive to achieve the
enablement of Education Records.

5. E-Yantra

It is one of the digital initiatives in higher education implemented by MHRD to incorporate

robotics into engineering education to engage students through applied mathematics,
computer science and engineering principles. The e-Yantra initiative is running successfully
in 100 colleges. It is creating skills in students by developing infrastructure for project-based
learning. All the projects and code are made available on the e-Yantra website.

Learn the best tips for teachers and educators who want to take their classes, school,
coaching, or institute online.

6. e-Shodh Sindhu

The e-Shodh Sindhu is a digital initiative of MHRD formed on the recommendations of the
Expert Committee by merging three consortia initiatives. So many e-books and international
electronic journals have been made available to all higher education institutions through this
initiative. It provides access to the best education in the world using digital technology.
7. Talk To A Teacher

It is an initiative of the National Mission on Education and receives funding from MHRD. Its
objective is to provide selected graduate and post-graduate courses by professionals and
scholars. Registration is not essential because it does not have any certification process. It
uses A-view collaboration tools to provide the facility of virtual classrooms to the faculty in
the country. Talk to a Teacher digital initiative covers Humanities and Social Science
disciplines with Computer Science and Engineering.

8. E-Acharya

It is also known as the Integrated e-Content Portal and is an official repository of all the
content produced under NMEICT. This portal also has the metadata of all the content and can
become a vertical form of the National Digital Library (NDL). This digital initiative gets
backed by a robust 24×7 Data Centre.

9. E-Vidwan

It is one of the best digital initiatives taken up by the Information and Library
Network(INFLIBNET) centre that gets financial support from NMEICT. It collects profiles
of scientists and research scientists working in R&D organisations in India and abroad,
establishes direct communication with the experts and creates a platform for information
exchange among the scientists. The e-Vidwan database helps you to choose experts for
various committees and task forces established by the Govt. It assists the policymakers and
funding agencies in policy intervention and decision making.

10. Spoken Tutorial

It is an award-winning content portal digital initiatives. One can learn various free and open-
source software by oneself with the help of Spoken Tutorial. Anybody with a computer and
an interest in learning can acquire knowledge from any place in their comfortable language.